Vessel Registration System: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Find out how commercial fishing vessels in France register their boats to obtain official numbers and flag rights.
The Vessel Registration System is the official process for recording commercial fishing boats in the national registry to ensure they are compliant with maritime regulations.
Who it's for
This scheme is for all commercial fishing vessels. If your boat is used for commercial fishing, it must be registered through this system to maintain its legal standing.
What you get
Once registered, your vessel receives an official registration number. This number serves as your boat's unique identification. You also receive flag rights, which are the legal rights associated with the vessel's registration.
What it costs you
There is a financial cost to complete this process. You will be required to pay a registration tax. The amount you pay is not a fixed fee for everyone; it is determined based on the tonnage of your vessel.
The catch to know
You should be aware that ownership is not simply transferred during a sale. If the ownership of a vessel changes, it requires a full re-registration process. This is a separate, complete procedure rather than a simple update to the existing registration.
How to apply
- Confirm that your vessel is used for commercial fishing purposes.
- Determine the tonnage of your vessel to calculate the expected registration tax.
- Contact the Direction des Affaires Maritimes to begin the registration process.
- Complete the necessary paperwork to receive your official registration number and flag rights.